Contemporary Role Research Articles

U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East: Strategic Goals, Oil Interests, and the Promotion of Democracy

This research explores the historical and contemporary role of U.S. intervention in the Middle East, with a particular focus on oil interests, political strategies, and regional stability. The study examines key agreements like the "fifty-fifty" profit-sharing deal in Saudi Arabia and the broader implications of U.S. involvement in Gulf politics. The strategic importance of oil to U.S. national security is a central theme, illustrating how energy concerns have shaped U.S. foreign policy in the region. A significant portion of the research delves into the tension between promoting democracy and securing U.S. strategic interests, highlighting the challenges faced in balancing these often conflicting goals. Methodologically, the research utilizes both quantitative and qualitative approaches, drawing on historical documents, diplomatic records, and contemporary analyses. The findings suggest that while the U.S. has made efforts to foster democratic reforms in the region, its interventions—such as the Iraq invasion—have often resulted in instability, sectarian violence, and the resurgence of authoritarian regimes. The research argues that the U.S. has maintained a strong presence in the Middle East primarily to safeguard its economic and security interests, understanding that the region is vital to both its energy supply and broader geopolitical strategy. The conclusion underscores that U.S. involvement in the Middle East will likely continue in the future, driven by the desire to secure energy resources, maintain regional influence, and counter rivals like Iran, China, and Russia. The research suggests that while U.S. efforts to promote democracy have been largely unsuccessful, its strategic interests will remain dominant in shaping its regional policies.

Preservation of the Urban Historical Environment: Through Struggle or Cooperation (the Example of the Ural Cities)

The article examines the contemporary role of public organizations in preserving the historical urban environment on the example of four cities, Yekaterinburg, Tyumen, Chelyabinsk and Kurgan. Active changes in the urban environment are causing the emergence of social movements seeking to preserve not only cultural heritage sites, but also those buildings that have signs of a cultural heritage site and are under threat of demolition. Using the example of four cities, it reveals how the activities of public organizations can be organized differently depending on external conditions and attitudes to the urban environment.

Organization manifesto

The Organization Manifesto celebrates 30 years of Organization as a vital force in critical management and organization studies. It reaffirms the journal’s commitment to radical pluralism, within a non-hegemonic mode that avoids reproducing relations of dominance and subordination. Central to scholarship published and welcomed in Organization are five performative forms of critical scholarship that engage with power in different ways: revealing hidden power dynamics, reconnecting fragmented relations, reimagining post-capitalist futures, rehearsing equitable practices, and rebelling against oppressive systems. These forms encourage a dynamic intellectual space that resists canonical constraints and aligns critique with evolving socio-political realities. As a living intellectual project, the manifesto stresses self-reflective engagement with the journal’s legacy and its contemporary role. It calls for action to foster community renewal through supporting diverse scholars, enacting caring practices in academia, promoting critical methodologies, and advancing scholarly activism. By emphasizing inclusivity, transdisciplinarity, and political engagement, the Organization Manifesto aims to sustain the journal as a leading platform for transformative critical scholarship. Looking ahead, it invites collective contributions to reimagine and co-construct practices that promote justice and equity in academia and beyond.

Internal Marketing Strategies in a Lithuanian Financial Institution

The concept of “internal marketing” has attracted significant attention from researchers. Despite extensive studies on the topic, it remains partially understood, as while attention to external customers is critical, the importance of internal customers—an organization’s employees—cannot be overlooked. The development of internal marketing within the organization plays a crucial role in gaining a competitive edge in the market. The goal of internal marketing is to engage employees by prioritizing internal initiatives that need to be developed, sustained, and promoted. This fosters business growth and enhances the company’s competitiveness. Different studies show that employees’ positive perceptions of internal marketing practices lead to beneficial outcomes. Analysing the components of internal marketing can provide insights into how strategies can be customized for different regions and industries, ultimately leading to more effective internal marketing approaches. Literature reviews indicate that internal marketing serves as a human resource management tool that fosters employee satisfaction and alignment with external customer needs. The authors closely examine the contemporary role of internal marketing strategies and their implementation in a Lithuanian financial institution through an enhanced framework of marketing elements and thus throwing some light on how these strategies impact employee engagement. Empirical research, based on structured interviews within the institution, reveals that the internal pricing element is the lowest rated, while other elements need further strengthening due to differing opinions from managers and employees. Enhancing internal marketing strategies can significantly boost employee engagement, satisfaction, and performance, which in turn positively affects external customer satisfaction.

Człowiek orkiestra: obraz nauczyciela a rzeczywistość edukacyjna

The shift in the educational paradigm towards the autonomization of the language learning process has significantly reshaped the role and responsibilities of teachers. Both in academic discourse and public debate, there is growing recognition of a shift from the traditional teacher-centered model to a learner-centered approach, wherein students assume greater responsibility for their learning (Holec 1981). Consequently, the contemporary role of the teacher extends well beyond the mere transmission of knowledge. As noted by Komorowska (2015) and Pawlak (2022), the expectations placed on educators now encompass fostering a wide range of competencies, enhancing students’ learning strategies, promoting autonomous behaviors, and adapting instructional methods to address the diverse individual needs of learners, all within the framework of emerging technologies. However, this idealized portrayal of the teacher, expected to fulfill numerous and varied roles raises critical questions about the feasibility of meeting such demands. This article critically examines these challenges and invites further reflection on the realities faced by educators in navigating these expectations.

Stereotactic Body Therapy for Urologic Cancers-What the Urologist Needs to Know.

stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) is a disruptive radiation therapy technique which is increasingly used for the treatment of urologic cancers. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview on the current landscape of SABR in urologic cancers and highlight advancements on the horizon. a narrative review of the contemporary role of SABR in urologic cancers is conducted. in localised prostate cancer, SABR boasts excellent tumour control and biochemical control, with acceptable GU and GI toxicity. Its comparison to laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is currently ongoing. SABR appears to be practical for metastasis-directed therapy in metastatic prostate cancer, with good local control and a low toxicity profile, either alone or in combination with ADT. In localised RCC, SABR offers adequate local control with a modest impact on renal function in patients unfit for surgical management. Its role in metastatic RCC is much more established, where it has been shown to be superior to conventional radiotherapy. Emerging evidence suggests that SABR has a role in delaying systemic therapy whilst maintaining QOL and overall survival. Intriguingly, in metastatic prostate cancer and metastatic RCC, SABR results in a cytoreductive and immunomodulatory 'abscopal effect', a focus of current investigations. SABR has emerged as a safe, effective, and feasible treatment for urologic cancers. Urologists should be aware of its increasing use in localised prostate cancer and metastatic RCC, with good oncological outcomes combined with acceptable toxicity. In addition, SABR holds promise for both metastatic prostate cancer and localised RCC treatment in terms of toxicity and oncological outcomes.

Digging Deeper: Assessing the Impact of Limestone Exploitation and Use Worldwide

Limestone has always been widely used in various sectors, thus having significant economic and environmental impacts. The quarrying process is, on the one hand, essential, but on the other, harmful to the environment and people’s health, therefore, the challenge is finding a balance. This review explores the multifaceted nature of limestone, a sedimentary rock predominantly composed of calcium carbonate. The formation of limestone, along with its various types and global occurrence, is discussed to provide a basic understanding. The diverse applications of limestone range from historical uses in ancient monuments to contemporary roles in cement production, plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and soda–lime glass. The discussion extends to post-mining solutions, showcasing successful rehabilitation and innovative repurposing of former quarries into useful infrastructures, wildlife habitats, and cultural spaces. This article draws attention to the importance of sustainable practices and technological developments to balance resource use with environmental conservation. Ultimately, it emphasizes the need for responsible limestone quarrying and proactive rehabilitation strategies to ensure that no permanent ecological problems will occur.

Transplant in ALL: who, when, and how?

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) remains a cornerstone in the treatment of high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), yet optimal patient selection is challenging in the era of rapidly changing modern therapy. Refined molecular characterization allows for better risk assessment, sparing low-risk patients from allo-HCT toxicity while identifying those who may benefit from intensified approaches. Measurable residual disease (MRD) has emerged as a powerful predictor of relapse irrespective of treatment strategy, challenging the necessity of transplant in MRD-negative patients. Further, expanded donor options, particularly haploidentical transplantation coupled with reduced intensity conditioning, have extended the applicability of allo-HCT to a broader range of patients. Finally, immunotherapies and targeted treatments are increasingly integrated into both initial and relapsed treatment protocols yielding deep remission and allowing for successful transplant in patients with a history of advanced disease. In this review, we provide an overview of the contemporary role of transplant in adult patients with ALL, focusing on indications for allo-HCT in first remission, optimal sequencing of transplant with novel therapies, and advancements in donor selection and conditioning regimens.

Revitalizing faith: an inquiry into political Sufism and religious continuity in contemporary Kazakhstan.

The article embarks upon a study of political Sufism in contemporary Kazakhstan and patterns of religious continuity through an examination of Islamic manifestations that stretch back centuries, juxtaposed with the current state religious policy. It examines the role of the Muftiate's "official Islam" in shaping the life of religious communities, exploring the intricate interplay between religious identity, secularism, and public perception in the post-Soviet landscape. The author employed a multi-faceted research approach, integrating historical analysis, policy examination, and an ethnographic study of contemporary religious dynamics in the country. The historical analysis provides a foundation of the religious landscape, while policy analysis examines the state's contemporary role in shaping religious practices. Ethnography, focusing on groups such as the Jahriyya, Naqshbandiyya, and the Suhba, involves respondents from diverse regions of Kazakhstan, offering firsthand insights into the experiences and perceptions of Sufi communities at the grassroots level, which enriches the study with a contextual perspective. Notably, fieldwork surveys, where the author engaged with respondents, provide valuable insights into the diverse experiences shaping the dynamics of political Sufism and religious continuity. They involved a diverse group of respondents, including religious leaders, community members, and secular intellectuals, from multiple regions of Kazakhstan at both urban and rural levels. The article is of scientific and practical significance as it enhances understanding of religious dynamics in the country, offering policymakers, scholars, and practitioners valuable perspectives for informed decision-making and policy development. The research's limitations include its focus on specific Sufi groups within Kazakhstan, which may not represent the full spectrum of Islamic practices across the region. The recommendations emphasize the need for further analysis of how prioritizing doctrinal adherence over individual freedoms contributes to the erosion of authentic religious institutions and the politicization of Islam. It also recommends to investigate the roles of Sufi groups in filling spiritual and social vacuums, their potential for politicization, and how this interplay affects religious freedom and national identity in Kazakhstan. This is particularly significant given the state's efforts to appropriate Islamic traditions for ideological purposes, which has led to a separation between Islamic doctrine and its lived expressions. Finally, it emphasizes the need for further comparative research on Sufi movements across Central Asia to better understand how different state policies impact religious communities.

The Conflicting Categorization of Kings and Chiefs in Ghana

This article aims to explore the historical development and contemporary role of the chieftaincy institution in Ghana, highlighting its enduring significance and adaptability. The institution of chieftaincy has been with the people of Ghana for centuries. Chiefs, now known as traditional rulers, are distinct from political rulers. The laws of Ghana require chiefs to maintain neutrality by forbidding their engagement in active politics. Chiefs are royals who have been validly nominated, elected, or selected by their respective kingmakers to be enstooled or enskinned according to the relevant customary law and usage. When Europeans came to Africa to trade, chiefs governed independent states, each with its own laws, courts, police, and military. The chieftaincy institution is organized hierarchically, ranging from the lowest rank to the apex, and among the Asantes, the Asantehene is the apex. Before 1901, when the British colonized the Asantes, the Asantehene served as the political, executive, and legislative head of the people of the Asante Kingdom. The Asante Kingdom covers the Ashanti Region, Ahafo Region, parts of the Bono and Bono East Regions, and a paramountcy each in Ghana’s Eastern and Oti Regions. The traditional capital of the Asante Kingdom, Kumasi, was initially at Kwaman. In the 1670s, Chief Osei Tutu from the Oyoko Abohyen Dynasty became the chief of Kwaman after succeeding his late uncle Nana Obiri Yeboah, who reigned from 1640 to 1680 and united all the Asante chiefdoms, which were independent and had their political autonomy. The occupants of the Golden Stool are designated as kings and have held the title to this day. Although the British succeeded in changing the name of some kings to paramount chiefs, they failed to change the name of the royals responsible for the nomination, election or selection of a person to be enstooled or installed as an Asantehene, paramount chief or chief, who are still called the kingmakers. Keywords: Asante Kingdom; Asantehene; enstooled; fetish-priest; Gold Coast; golden stool; kingmakers; Oyoko clan; paramount chief; traditional ruler.

Contemporary Role of Urine Cytology in Bladder Cancer

Contemporary Role of Urine Cytology in Bladder Cancer

Advancing health equity and the role of digital health technologies: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionHealthcare systems around the world exhibit inherent systemic inequities that disproportionately impact marginalised populations. Digital health technologies (DHTs) hold promising potential to address these inequities and to play a pivotal...

Contemporary role of the plastic and reconstructive surgeon in the outcome of female peripelvic defects after oncologic extirpation.

Reconstruction of female oncologic peripelvic defects is challenging due to complex anatomy, neoadjuvant chemoradiation, operative resection margins, and wound healing risks. Functional restoration requires thoughtful management focused on defect reconstruction and patient-reported outcomes. A retrospective chart review of peripelvic reconstruction in female patients at MD Anderson Cancer Center from 2016 to 2023. Data collected included the patient'scomorbidities, tumor characteristics, and reconstructive details. Complications were classified as nonoperative or operative within 30 days. Patient outcomes included hernia rates, sexual activity, and revision needs. In the study period, 164 patients underwent peripelvic defect reconstruction. Most had colorectal (57%), anal (17%), or gynecologic malignancies (10%). 83% had prior radiation. 33.3% had Class II or III obesity. The most common resection was open colorectal resection with partial vaginectomy (66%). Pedicled flaps (93%) were frequently used, mainly vertical rectus abdominis muscle (65%) and gracilis (11%). For multi-visceral resections, abdominal-based flaps were used in 95% of open casesand thigh-based flaps in 88.9% of robotic cases. 51% had formal abdominal wall repair. Complications occurred in 47%, with 9.1% needing surgery. Postoperative hernias were reported in 4.9%, with 3% requiring repair. Approximately 11% reported being sexually active at the last follow-up. Of those instructed on vaginal dilator therapy (42%), 24.6% were sexually active. Peri-pelvic soft tissue reconstruction in the oncologic population is safe. Operative complications and hernia rates are low. In robotic surgery, thigh-based flaps are increasingly used to reconstruct the peripelvic region. Return to sexual activity is higher in patients when given dilator therapy instruction.

Severe acute liver disease in adults: Contemporary role of histopathology.

Liver biopsies have consistently contributed to our understanding of the pathogenesis and aetiologies of acute liver disease. As other diagnostic modalities have been developed and refined, the role of biopsy in the management of patients with acute liver failure (ALF), acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) and acute hepatitis, including acute liver injury (ALI), has changed. Liver biopsy remains particularly valuable when first-line diagnostic algorithms fail to determine aetiology. Despite not being identified as a mandatory diagnostic tool in recent clinical guidelines for the management of ALF or ACLF, many centres continue to undertake biopsies given the relative safety of transjugular biopsy in this setting. Several studies have demonstrated that liver biopsy can provide prognostic information, particularly in the context of so-called indeterminate hepatitis, and is extremely useful in excluding conditions such as metastatic tumours that would preclude transplantation. In addition, its widespread use of percutaneous biopsies in cases of less severe acute liver injury, for example in the establishment of a diagnosis of acute presentation of autoimmune hepatitis or confirmation of a probable or definite drug-induced liver injury (DILI), has meant that many centres have seen a shift in the ratio of specimens they are receiving from patients with chronic to acute liver disease. Histopathologists therefore need to be equipped to deal with these challenging specimens. This overview provides an insight into the contemporary role of biopsies (as well as explant and autopsy material) in diagnosing acute liver disease. It outlines up-to-date clinical definitions of liver injury and considers recent recommendations for the diagnosis of AIH and drug-induced, autoimmune-like hepatitis (DI-AIH).

Rola ekspertyzy wariograficznej w postępowaniu karnym

The publication in question deals with the contemporary role of polygraph exper-tise in Polish criminal proceedings. It discusses the history of polygraph research. It refers to research techniques used by experts in the field, as well as to atypical cases of controversial research. Indicates the legal basis of polygraph research. Additionally, it draws attention to the issue of their evidentiary and diagnostic value. He extensively discusses the views of the Supreme Court and common courts formulated in this matter from 1963 to the present. Finally, it emphasizes the role of standardization of polygraph research and popularizing knowledge about it among lawyers.

Central Neck Dissection in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Benefits and Doubts in the Era of Thyroid Lobectomy.

Surgery is still the main line of treatment for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) with a current trend for de-intensified treatment based on an excellent prognosis. The role of a routine prophylactic central neck dissection (PCND) is still debated as its impact on oncologic outcomes has never been cleared by a randomized clinical trial. In this study, we aimed to report our long-standing experience in PCND and its potential contemporary role in the treatment of PTC. A retrospective institutional review was performed on all patients who underwent operation for PTC including PCND between 1998 and 2021. The primary outcomes were the rate of central lymph node metastases (CLNMs), cancer recurrence and incidence of complications. Survivals were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier estimator and Cox proportional hazard models. A total of 657 patients were included in this study with a median follow-up of 78 months (48-114 months). Two hundred and one patients presented occult CLNMs (30.6%). The presence of a pathological node represented the unique reason for a completion thyroidectomy and I131 therapy in 12.5% of the population. Age lower than 55 years, microscopic or macroscopic extra-thyroid extension (ETE) and multifocality were independent factors predicting CLNMs. The rate of recurrence in the whole population was 2.7% (18 patients). Five-year and ten-year disease-free survival (DFS) was 96.5% (94.7-97.7) and 93.3% (90.3-95.5), respectively. Two patients relapsed in the central neck compartment (0.3%). Age (>55 years), pathological staging (pT) and extranodal extension (ENE) were independent factors associated with a worse DFS. The rate of temporary and permanent vocal fold palsy was 12.8% and 1.8%, respectively, and did not depend on the type of surgical procedure performed. Hypoparathyroidism was temporary in 42.2% and permanent in 11.9% of the patients. A sub-analysis upon cT1b-T2 patients treated primarily with thyroid lobectomy and ipsilateral PCND demonstrated a 2.6% rate of permanent hypoparathyroidism. PCND allows for a high disease-free survival and a proper selection of patients needing adjuvant treatment, in particular, those treated with a unilateral procedure. On the other hand, bilateral approach is burdened by a not-neglectable rate of permanent hypoparathyroidism.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Framework in the Cultivation and Consumption of Kalanamak Rice: A Case Study

This research article examines the dimensions of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) in the cultivation and consumption of Kalanamak rice (KNR), a heritage and indigenous agricultural product of India. It explores the historical and contemporary roles of KNR in promoting or hindering DEIB within its cultural and agricultural contexts. The research is a unique attempt to construct the DEIB framework in KNR by using secondary resources and qualitative personal interview data, applying the grounded theory approach. The study provides insights into a rarely studied heritage/indigenous crop in India concerning the DEIB framework in its cultivation and consumption. The case study of KNR indicates that the equity and integration of marginal communities in KNR fall short of the desired level. Nonetheless, there is an acknowledgment of the necessity for progress in establishing a DEIB framework. Challenges such as insufficient financial resources and expertise, stemming from a prevailing power and privilege imbalance, are a threat to DEIB in KNR and need to be addressed by policymakers for the benefit of stakeholders. The article also highlights some of the government interventions to improve the DEIB of the KNR farmers and communities.

National Cultures in Times of Digital Transformation of the Travel Industry: Qualitative Exploration of Effects on Digital Business Models

Globalization and digitalization raise questions about the contemporary role of national culture. Investigating digital business models (BMs) in the travel industry, this study clarifies the effects of national cultures on them. Thirty-nine impactful aspects of national cultures— 25 institutional and 14 ideational—are identified based on qualitative research. These aspects are derived from various cross-cultural frameworks and include three newly suggested cultural dimensions. The proposed model clarifies the mechanism of the impact. The study restates the significance of national cultures in the digital era and places emphasis on the importance of both institutional and ideational sides of national cultures. The study would be helpful to practitioners in deciding on suitable places for a business opening and localizing BMs across international borders.

The Historical Origins and Contemporary Role of the Endoscopic Treatment for Urethral Stricture Disease

The Historical Origins and Contemporary Role of the Endoscopic Treatment for Urethral Stricture Disease

Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) Health Data Collection, Personalized Management and Exchange Using Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR).

With the proliferation and growing complexity of healthcare systems emerges the challenge of implementing scalable and interoperable solutions to seamlessly integrate heterogenous data from sources such as wearables, electronic health records, and patient reports that can provide a comprehensive and personalized view of the patient's health. Lack of standardization hinders the coordination between systems and stakeholders, impacting continuity of care and patient outcomes. Common musculoskeletal conditions affect people of all ages and can have a significant impact on quality of life. With physical activity and rehabilitation, these conditions can be mitigated, promoting recovery and preventing recurrence. Proper management of patient data allows for clinical decision support, facilitating personalized interventions and a patient-centered approach. Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) is a widely adopted standard that defines healthcare concepts with the objective of easing information exchange and enabling interoperability throughout the healthcare sector, reducing implementation complexity without losing information integrity. This article explores the literature that reviews the contemporary role of FHIR, approaching its functioning, benefits, and challenges, and presents a methodology for structuring several types of health and wellbeing data, that can be routinely collected as observations and then encapsulated in FHIR resources, to ensure interoperability across systems. These were developed considering health industry standard guidelines, technological specifications, and using the experience gained from the implementation in various study cases, within European health-related research projects, to assess its effectiveness in the exchange of patient data in existing healthcare systems towards improving musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).